ONE Closes in on Majority Ownership of Seaspan

In a major move that will reshape the container shipping landscape, Japanese ocean carrier Ocean Network Express (ONE) is closing in on a majority ownership stake in Seaspan Corporation, the world's largest independent containership lessor. According to a report from *Seatrade Maritime*, ONE will acquire a 48.9% stake in Poseidon Containers, the ultimate shareholder of Seaspan, for $1.91 billion. This will give the Japanese carrier a controlling interest in the Vancouver-based ship owning and operating company. Seaspan currently has a fleet of 132 vessels with a total capacity of over 1.1 million TEUs. The company leases containerships to major global carriers including ONE, Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd. This strategic investment will allow ONE to secure long-term access to a significant portion of Seaspan's fleet to support its container shipping operations. 'The acquisition will strengthen ONE's position in the container shipping market and provide it with greater control over its chartered tonnage,' said Seatrade Maritime. 'It also highlights the growing integration between container shipping lines and ship owning/leasing companies.' The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, but is expected to close in the first half of 2023. Once completed, it will mark a major consolidation in the container shipping industry, with ONE solidifying its position as a top global carrier through its ownership of the world's largest independent containership lessor.